Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
Toyota Land Cruiser/Hilux??? HELP!!! Toyota Land Cruiser/Hilux??? HELP!!!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Surfy

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 May 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 20
Exclamation Toyota Land Cruiser/Hilux??? HELP!!!
Hello everyone, I'm after a little advice....

I've always wanted to do an epic overland trip, and always thought of myself as a "110 man" having driven LRs in greenlanes in the UK in the past.

However I've just returned from a 10 day drip around Namibia with some friends in a hired 100 series LC with a petrol V8 coupled with an auto box.

While this vehicle was perfect for this short trip, it was VERY thirsty, and wanted to know what peoples opinions are of these vehicles (and others) as my knowledge of the landcruiser is limited. Is the 100 full of electronics to go wrong? Is the auto box problematic? Or should I be looking at a different model all together?

Basically, I'm looking to know, which is the 'optimum' model/engine/gearbox combo for an Africa+Asia trip? I have a budget of about £7k for the initial purchase and am looking to slowly equip and 'learn the vehicle' over the next 2 years. I am in the UK.

Is a twin cab Hilux a suitable alternative? Roof rack and a truckman type top and I guess you're mostly sorted.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
hilux is a different beast to a LC , you need to travel in one to appreciate.
Yes a V8 petrol is very juicy , consensus is diesel better alternative.
for 7k a landcruier would be fairly ancient , and very high mileage, not that its a deal breaker , if in good condition , and you can check the reliability during prep. manual gearbox better than auto . HTSH
__________________
Current : 2007 Mowag Bucher Duro 6x6 Motorhome , 2006 Sedici 4x4, 2007 Range Rover supercharged
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Toyota Land Cruiser/Hilux??? HELP!!!
Have a look over on the landcruiserclub.net for lots of useful info about the different types problems etc.

The 100 series is pretty loaded with electrics but does seem to be a good overlander. Surfy on here has one and has completed an Africa trip and is currently in South America and posting reports on the Hubb

£7k would get you an 80 series which is a little older than the 100 but immensely popular for overlanding. (I leading group of 6 80 Series trucks later this year)

Another option is the 95 series prado or Colorado in the UK. Much cheaper not quite as big or good off-road but a viable alternative


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 834
Your vehicle joice should depend - on what you plan to load to the car. And where you plan to drive.

If you just add a small ground tent, a passive cooling box and some camping chairs & cooking equipment and want to stay on normal tracks - you have a much bigger list of cars who are a good option...

In my opinion many travelers on limited budget waste to much money for car and outfitting. And use the same tracks at the end than the locals who drive there with their 2wd vehicles (with standard tyre size)...

Surfy
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 May 2015
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
I must agree with Surfy... .

We did a tour around the Caspian Sea, including lots of really bad roads in a Lada station wagon we payed 700€ for. Simple maintenance and despite its reputation very little mechanical issues (much less then on my discovery when traveling Africa).

Any sound and somewhat robust vehicle will do given that you don't overload it and take it easy.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
If you are intending a lot of europe etc , then maybe a Van would be a better bang for the buck , as Surfy & Robbert says people tend to use a sledgehammer to crack a walnut , most locals dont drive around in huge 4x4 with difflocks and winchs , its very much a western bling thing , look at when the old series 1 were on real expeditions , with little modern logistical back up or communication , which we now have . The problems now are not terrain , but paperwork, and security. JMHO
__________________
Current : 2007 Mowag Bucher Duro 6x6 Motorhome , 2006 Sedici 4x4, 2007 Range Rover supercharged
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 May 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 20
Cheers for all your replies, is there any land cruisers I should stay Away from?

Also does anyone know of a good 'expedition Style' truck tops for a hilux double cab? Ideally with roof bars and side lockers? Is it possible to get hold of something like this that would be removable from the vehicle while I'm in the UK? Whichever vehicle I end up with will be my daily drive as well as a project!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt999 View Post
Cheers for all your replies, is there any land cruisers I should stay Away from?
The techie info about the Landcruiser is located in the area for all light weight vehicles.
In there you can find such info as this thread:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ow-works-72312
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
have a look on Hilux Pickup Owners Club for good hilux info. there are some expedition builds in the modifications section, but for your budget I would go for a good 80 series cruiser, than a beat up old hilux. remember hilux are commercial vehicles so many have been abused, and many of the older ones have now been exported, wheras most landcruisers haven't been. Although many 80s are now old enough that they have been abused so be careful what you choose, but a bit of patience should buy you a good 80 for your budget
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 May 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 20
I'm not really interested in creating a gin palace to cruise around Africa in, but I would like certain creature comforts... a split charge system and () fridge, a roof tent would suit me fine.

I'm a trained electrical engineer and work as an aircraft mechanic so am pretty capable of carrying out work myself, am just looking for advice.

So to sum it up, is essentially any LC suitable? And it will come down to personal choice between the hilux+truckman top and LC??
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 May 2015
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
:-) I think that's about correct. All are suitable. What you like more is personal preference. Personally I would feel more comfortable with a LC and rooftent than with a Hi-lux and camperbody, not because of the Hi-lux, but because of the camperbody. A hi-lux with rooftent would be another option. Cheaper than the camperbody I think.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 8 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Sit down and list out what is important to your for trip then use that list to pick a vehicle that suits your needs.

Before I bought my Landcruiser I was thinking of a defender 110, I knew I wanted to sleep inside rather than in a tent so need something big enough. I then thought a bit more and decided I wanted a bit of comfort and AC for under £5k as I was out of work. Looking around defenders were too expensive with AC and the cruiser fitted the bill nicely
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Hi Matt

I did a trip with a LC80 a few years ago and went through very much the same dilemma as you when deciding which vehicle to go for.

Have a look at my website and PM me if you want a chat.

Rgds

Mark
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2011 Trans-Africa trips by Toyota and LR zeroland 4 wheel Overland Travel 14 10 Jan 2014 04:00
Decisions decisions... Land Rover / Nissan / Toyota / Jeep Pheebs Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 31 Oct 2013 17:31
1992 Toyota Townace 4X4 Motorhome For Sale, New Zealand zippledippledoo Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 6 Mar 2013 06:50
Fully Kitted 92 Toyota Hilux for sale (SA reg) in Cape Town - ZAR95,000 timoth Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 6 25 May 2012 18:20

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top